The Force took the Big Apple at a minute past midnight this morning, as the final chapter of “Star Wars” debuted all over the city.

But 400 lucky New York Post readers beat the clock. They were among the very first to see “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” after winning a 7:30 p.m. sneak peek at the Loews Cineplex 84th Street.

“This is very exciting! I’ve been a ‘Star Wars’ fan from the very beginning,” said Carrie Walkup, a 32-year-old music marketing exec who won tickets from The Post.

“My favorite character? Obi-Wan Kenobi all the way. Ewan McGregor is so hot!”

“Sith” completes the prequel trilogy about the roots of Anakin Skywalker and how he evolved into the villainous Darth Vader – a puzzle some fans have been waiting 28 years to see solved.

Ticket winners Robert McAndrew, a field mechanic with the Department of Education, and his 12-year-old son, also named Robert, were beside themselves at the chance to catch an early look at the finale.

“Winning free tickets from The Post so we could be the first to see it was really great. We were thrilled,” said McAndrew, 45.

“This is the final installment that ties everything together and brings the story to an end,” he added. “I’m kind of sad to see ‘Star Wars’ conclude, but perhaps George Lucas will decide to make some more. I’m hoping!”

The midnight premiere saw legions of fanatics who arrived dressed as their favorite “Star Wars” characters, with Darth Vaders and Storm Troopers loading up with Jujubes for the show.

The finale of the six-film saga – which began with the original “Star Wars” in 1977 – was slated to open in 18 theaters throughout the five boroughs and another 3,643 theaters across the United States. Many of them kicked off round-the-clock screenings with a 12:01 a.m. show.

“Sith” is expected to gross well over $100 million this weekend and could shatter box-office records. It’s also expected to spark massive absenteeism at workplaces around the world – with a potential loss of $627 million in productivity in the United States alone.

Tens of thousands of kids plan to skip school, and many say they’ll attend multiple “Sith” screenings in the first couple of days.

Reviews for the final flick have been out of this world, with some critics calling it the best “Star Wars” since the original three.

“They say this is the one where all of the loose ends are going to be tied up, so it’s going to be exciting to see,” said Adam Crespo, 18, another Post ticket winner.

Because of the time difference, sci-fi fanatics in Australia got a 14-hour jump on the rest of the world in premiering the movie.

In Sydney, actors playing Darth Vader and Storm Troopers paraded in front of one theater, causing a massive traffic jam.

In London, director Lucas attended one of the premieres and broke countless hearts by saying he would “absolutely never” be tempted to pen another episode.

“This ‘Star Wars’ tells the story of Darth Vader, and now we’ve had his birth and his end, so that’s it. I’m very relieved that the film is finished. It’s one film now instead of six,” he said.

But remember, George, in Hollywood you can never say never.

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STAR WARS

“Revenge of the Sith” delivers something for just about every “Star Wars” addict – blazing scenes so sweet, even the Ewoks must have gagged. Here are The Post’s votes for the film’s most memorable – and missable – moments

MOST AMAZING EFFECTS

The opening 22-minute dogfight sequence – featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker piloting their ships in pursuit of Count Dooku’s rebels – is crammed with more racing, zooming and laser-blasting visuals than you can shake your Naboo at.

SAPPIEST DIALOGUE

When Princess Padme and Anakin get together, even Hallmark writers cringe. “You’re so beautiful,” says Anakin. “That’s only because I’m so in love,” says Padme. “No, it’s because I’m so in love with you,” says Anakin. Cut!

CUTEST WARRIORS

Chewbacca and fellow wookies get center stage when they battle the evil droid army on their home turf of Kashyyyk. Reached for comment, Chewbacca remarked, “Mrrwaaaaah!”

COOLEST MOMENT

As we’ve known since the original “Star Wars” came out, Darth Vader gets horribly disfigured. Watching him getting fixed up and fitted for the costume that makes him look like Dracula’s linebacker could almost turn you into a cheerleader for the Dark Side.

MOST UNEXPECTED ACTION HERO

R2-D2, who uses his attachments to slay droids like a metallic Kung fu master.